no title

Short takes: New additions will enhance zoo

About our Editorials

Dispatch editorials express the view of the
Dispatch editorial board, which is made up of the publisher, the president of
The Dispatch, the editor and the editorial-writing staff. As is the traditional newspaper
practice, the editorials are unsigned and intended to be seen as the voice of the newspaper.
Comments and questions should be directed to the
editorial page editor.

On a planet blessed with an abundance of extraordinary creatures, surely the giraffe is among
the most extraordinary and, among humans, one of the most beloved.

So it is great news that two of these magnificent animals soon will be featured at the Columbus
Zoo and Aquarium, where they have not been seen for eight years. Last week, Conner and Dasher were
moved to the Columbus Zoo from Binder Park Zoo in Michigan. They will take up residence in the zoo’s
new African-themed area, which opens in May. But don’t expect to see the 3-year-olds right away.
They’ll spend some time in quarantine, away from visitors.

The 43-acre Africa exhibit will feature not only Conner and Dasher but a number of African
species, including monkeys, zebras, wildebeest, ostriches, lions and cheetahs. This area of the zoo
has been the drawing board for years and is part of a long process of creating environments that
resemble as much as possible those the animals would inhabit in the wild.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a continually evolving wonder. It is a marvelous asset for
central Ohio families, not to mention a tourist draw and a vital player in national and
international animal-conservation efforts.

Conner and Dasher will add even more to the zoo’s allure.

Electronics on planes may be mixed blessing

Millions of gadget-addicted Americans cheered when the Federal Aviation Administration announced
new guidelines allowing the use of devices such as smartphones, e-readers and tablets during all
phases of flight.

Being able to make cellphone calls during flight remains off limits and the subject of much
debate. The Federal Communications Commission maintains its years-long ban on in-flight cellular
connections out of concern about interference with cell towers, though the FAA says it doesn’t have
a problem with it and will consult with the FCC about a policy change.

Which leads to a sticky question: Do we really want people to be able to talk on their
cellphones during a flight? It can be annoying enough to overhear conversations in the checkout
line or on the street. Move that scenario to a cramped plane cabin, and one can see the potential
for misery if one is sitting next to someone whose mouth and mind are not in their full upright and
locked position.

According to
The Wall Street Journal, a recent survey included in the advisory committee’s report found
that 61 percent of Americans would like phone calls to be banned on flights. That was more than
double the percentage for the second-highest choice: alcohol. Airline representatives say their
policies largely will remain guided by what the customer wants.

So it may be some time before one is able to phone home from a plane; for many, that’s not such
a bad thing.